We all remember sitting and binge-watching MTV's "Laguna Beach" and it's predecessor "The Hills" starring the iconic Lauren Conrad and Heidi Montag. When I first heard of this new MTV spotlight show, "Siesta Key", I wondered if I'd feel the same intense connection I once did to the 2000 hit TV series. Would there be an LC I could cry with or a Kristen I could love Stephen with? Well, here's 10 ways "Siesta Key" is different from our once loved "Laguna Beach" series.
1. The Time Of Our Lives
The oldie but goodie "Laguna Beach" series was introduced when the characters were just 17-18 years old, almost graduated from high school and finishing out their junior and senior years. We met them and grew with them, finding out which colleges they would choose and who's love would make the distance. For "Siesta Key" fans, however, we've been introduced to this one of a kind clan as they're already graduated from college and looking for real life jobs at 20-23. We even get the added drama of social media sites, which we definitely missed out on through flip phones in Laguna.
2. Let's Party
The cast of Laguna definitely had their fair share of partying, whether it was a bonfire at LC's mega-mansion or a spring break bar hop in Cabo. But even then, we didn't really get to see our favorite friendships get messed up together (or at least we weren't supposed to). On the set of Siesta, these 20-something kids maybe party too much, and have just as much time to jump into pools from mega-mansion balconies as our Laguna babes once did.
3. The Voiceover
I'm sure none of us could forget the feelings that Laguna left us with when LC voiced over every episode of her senior year, or when Kristen took over for her following senior year to take us along her journey. We felt a familiarity when their voices introduced what was yet to come. In "Siesta Key", a different character voices a different line every break in dialogue. Either way, you can't help but get chills when the lines are delivered, whether it's our sunshine Lauren Conrad or our shy but sassy Madisson.
4. A Picture is Worth 1000 Words
Laguna Beach" is very memorable for its low-quality tripod shots of LC's single mascara tear running down her face, while "Siesta Key" certainly dabbles in the artistry of photography and videography. Siesta is clearly shot to capture the aesthetic of the beautiful beaches and its beautiful people. But, that doesn't mean we won't miss the long angled views of Lo and LC getting dinner together downtown without being able to hear them.
5. Confrontation
LC and Kristen's ongoing battle in Laguna is a memory that won't ever fade. I mean, I don't blame them: Stephen is hands down the cutest thing I have ever seen. Yet, Laguna was known for never documenting the interactions between Lauren and Kristen (if there even were any). These girls kept it classy, even though they totally hated each other. "Siesta Key" is dramatically different in this way. Watching Juliette and Madisson fight over Alex is a thrill in itself, but girl fights are so petty. The drama is enticing, but we still miss Kristen and LC's love triangle.
6. Music Masterpiece
I don't know about you all, but the 2000s had some bops that I used to pray would feature for just a moment on "Laguna Beach". Every hit from this era was on this show, which made my love for "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield that much more of a tribute to my younger self. "Siesta Key" features songs from all across the board, focusing more on today's hits and EDM summer vibes. I'm not mad at either!
7. The Drama
Straight to the point, "Laguna Beach" was known for its secret love triangles and asking your best friend's boyfriend to prom. But, high school drama is definitely in the past for the members of "Siesta Key". The cast has their fair share of love and heartbreak but also deals with family illness, homophobia, failure, and abuse. The problems of the real world are much bigger than what our baby Laguna's were exposed to.
8. To Be or Not To Be
To this day, both series deal with the backlash and questions of its integrity when considering whether the cast is genuine, or if the heart-sinking moments are just lines on a script. "Laguna Beach" was set in a time that didn't necessarily deal with actors and actresses, but more so real high school teenagers that were still in school and dealing with real rejection and high school heartbreaks. "Siesta Key" has a more matured clan, and with that comes friends that are models, actors, law students, engineers, and aspiring musicians. These kids definitely know what it takes to get in the business and stay on the show. 
9. Lights, Camera...
Action! The fame that followed Lauren Conrad and Kristen Cavallari was incredible for us viewers to watch. LC has become more than just her iconic character in Laguna, and more so a fashion icon and author, all thanks to her start in Laguna. On "Siesta Key", these kids are already rich and famous, considering the houses they've built for themselves. They aren't starting from the bottom, and are instead avidly job searching and continuing to build their careers without fame.
10. The Bond
For me, looking up to Kristen, Alex H., LC, Lo, and so many more of the girls and guys on "Laguna Beach" gave me a great insight into what high school could potentially be like. Sure, I didn't have an identical Stephen Colletti, but I had my fair share of girl drama and pool parties. I created such a connection with the characters in Laguna, whether it was watching the love unravel between Kristen and Stephen, or the build-up between Jessica and Jason on Valentine's Day. I found myself so in love with each and every moment in "Laguna Beach". "Siesta Key" has shown me a new look into the life I could potentially live (if I have 5 million dollars and no student loans) in a totally different way. I admire how hard working these kids are, and how they manage to deal with life's hardest obstacles. Though for me, nothing will ever compare to the heart-wrenching goodbyes of Stephen and Kristen when he moved to college, or LC's moments snowboarding with Talan. I guess I'll just have to wait and see.
